The Reds slumped to the bottom of Super League after the RFL hit them with the points deduction and a £5,000 fine last week for having 14 players on the pitch during the win over Castleford Tigers on April 27.

It was the result of an appeal by the club, who had originally just been fined £10,000.

But Koukash insists the club have been unfairly penalised.

“I feel this punishment for us was harsh,” said the Reds owner.

“It was not done to give us an advantage. It was a genuine mistake on our part and we have learned from it.

“We accept that, but remain disappointed with the outcome. When a fine was imposed we thought it was harsh and that is why we appealed. A precedent was set in my view back in 2006 when Saints were fined £100 with no points deduction for having 14 players on the pitch during a match against Hull.

“I accept the fact Saints lost the match but both mistakes were the same. What we did was not done deliberately.”

Meanwhile, Koukash has challenged his players, who host St Helens on Friday night, to show they are worthy and capable of being part of a new-look squad for the 2014 campaign.

“We will be announcing some very big signings for 2014 in August but places are still available within the squad for next year,” said Koukash, who is in his first season in charge at the club.

“The players still have so much to play for. That’s why I want them to finish this season strongly and show us they want to remain part of what we are trying to achieve.

“The incentive and opportunity is there for them to be part of this.

“I still view Salford as a sleeping giant within rugby league. The club’s potential is vast.

“Brian Noble has been very fair and honest since he came in and took over as head coach.

“He was reluctant to splash the cash, preferring instead to give the players we already have every chance to show what they can offer in a fresh start.

“Brian made it perfectly clear to every player they would have the chance to show what they are capable of.

“He has been more than fair and done exactly this. It has been up to them to deliver.

“This is still the case between now and the end of the season.

“No one is entitled to a job, they have to prove they are worth it.

“These boys playing here must realise there is still room for them to be part of what we are busy working towards.

“From now until the end of the season, all I ask from them is for total commitment and good performances.

“To finish the season strongly would be ideal preparation for 2014.”

With the financial turmoil during the winter, Salford had very little preparation time for this season, and that is showing on the pitch.

“We knew this was always going to be a difficult season,” added Koukash. “It has possibly been even tougher than what we imagined.

“We have had to battle on with the cards we were dealt with, but next season will be totally different.

“I can assure our fans things will be very different. We will be very competitive. We will have a stronger team. I want the players to be proud of the shirt they are wearing and I want to see them go out and give everything for the remainder of this season.

“We have had difficulties to contend with over the last couple of weeks but let’s celebrate our existence as a club and really show what we are made off.

“Let’s just hope we can play well and prepare for 2014 with all guns blazing.

“I have said many times in the past that my main aim is to see a smile back on the faces of the fans. My aim is to give the fans a team to be proud of.

“Next season, I want the fans to be our 14th player – they have such a key role to play in the club’s development.

“If we build a strong quality team, we can then progress in promoting rugby league within the region, which has always been our intention.

“Ideally, I would like to see us in the top four next year but things will take time. New players will need time to gel.

“We are working hard and we are putting the right kind of plans in place to secure a strong future.

“This club came very close to going under at the end of last season but we survived and this is what I mean about the need to celebrate its existence by finishing strongly.”